No matter how brilliant an action, it should not be considered great unless it was the result of a great motive.

Some weak people are so sensible of their weakness as to be able to make a good use of it.

There are no accidents so unlucky from which clever people are not able to reap some advantage, and none so lucky that the foolish are not able to turn them to their own disadvantage.

We would frequently be ashamed of our good deeds if people saw all of the motives that produced them.

We all have enough strength to endure the misfortunes of others.

Our good qualities expose us more to hatred and persecution than all the ill we do.

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.